Is a master's degree in education worth it?
By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Gabriela Pérez Jordán
Published: January 22, 2025
Discover whether a master's degree in education can provide a positive return on investment for you with this informative and career-oriented guide.
What is a master's degree in education?
Master's programs in education offer enriched academic preparation for careers in teaching, training, curriculum development, and educational administration. Curricula usually include about 10-12 courses, and you can typically complete your degree in about two years if you study full-time.
Schools offer various concentrations and degree designations. Common concentrations include:
- Curriculum and instruction
- Early childhood education
- Educational leadership
- Special education
Your program could lead to a:
- Master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) in education
- Master of arts in teaching (MAT)
- Master of education (M.Ed.)
MA and MS programs typically cover pedagogical theories and techniques in a subject-specific context. MAT programs emphasize classroom management and instructional design skills, while versatile MEd programs balance classroom-oriented and administrative topics.
What are the benefits of a master's degree in education?
- Specialization opportunities: Many master's programs in education offer concentration tracks that let you pursue your interest in targeted areas.
- Advanced skills: Graduate education programs build deeper and more insightful pedagogical skills and knowledge.
- Career mobility: A master's degree can help you qualify for a variety of educator roles both inside and outside the classroom.
- Higher pay: Many school districts offer higher salaries to educators with advanced degrees.
Is getting a master's in education worth it?
Education labor market experts have long debated whether advanced degrees are worth it.
On one hand, many school districts place teachers with advanced degrees on higher-paying salary schedules. On the other, you'll spend significant time and money earning your degree. You may graduate with debt, and you could lose out on multiple years of prime earnings if you suspend your career to upgrade your degree.
Compelling arguments support both viewpoints, and there's no single right answer. However, a master's degree generally delivers value that goes beyond financial rewards. A graduate degree may help you access a wider set of education careers. For many students, that career flexibility is highly appealing.
How much does an M.Ed. degree cost?
A 2020 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) study found that graduate students in education programs paid an average of $9,544 in tuition and required fees. At schools that offer fully online instruction, those costs fell to $5,186. These figures do not include relocation or living expenses, books, transportation, parking, or any other incidental costs.
Many organizations and donors offer scholarships to education students. The U.S. federal government also operates special grant programs for students pursuing teaching careers. Explore these routes before borrowing money to fund your education.
Are M.Ed. graduates in demand?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the following job growth and availability projections for career paths commonly followed by professionals with master's degrees in education:
| Job title | Projected job growth (2023-33) | Average annual openings (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten elementary school teachers | -1% | 106,500 |
| Middle school teachers | -1% | 41,400 |
| High school teachers | -1% | 64,000 |
| Elementary, middle, and high school principals | -1% | 20,800 |
| Instructional coordinators | +2% | 20,100 |
On the whole, education job growth is expected to undergo a slight contraction from 2023-33. The BLS primarily attributes this to budgetary uncertainty. Growth rate projections could return to positive levels if macroeconomic conditions improve.
Does a master of education have a good ROI?
Reporting on data from the 2020-21 school year, the NCES found that teachers with a master's degree earned 27.6% more on average than those with only a bachelor's degree. Over a 20-year career, that difference works out to $290,000 in additional earnings.
From this perspective, a master's in education tends to offer a favorable return on investment. For further comparisons, consider this salary data from the BLS:
| Job title | Median annual salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten elementary school teachers | $63,670 |
| Middle school teachers | $64,290 |
| High school teachers | $65,220 |
| Elementary, middle, and high school principals | $103,460 |
| Instructional coordinators | $74,620 |
Get started on edX
On edX, you can connect with online master's programs in education that can boost your career prospects. Explore online courses and program options.